India and Russia is negotiating space programs

India wants to use the Russian experience in spacecrafts building  to accelerate its own progress in space technology. The negotiations about this are in initial stage however, informed Russian new agency ARMS-TASS. According to a 'RosCosmos' source, was added, the basis for the Russian-Indian joint project will be 'Soyuz' spacecraft, but the dimensions and the weight will be reduced somehow to fit Indian missile capability. The  negotiated plan proceeds till 2020. In addition the Russian spacecrafts design house 'Energia' president said the possibility of Indian astronauts space missions on Russian-made 'Soyuz' spacecrafts is under negotiation too.

Yak-130. The status of program.

In answer to a question. Yak-130 - is a program of high-subsonic trainer and light ground attack plane. Has started in 90th independently and became the first non-soviet military plane program. Further they have cooperated with Italian 'Aermacchi' while 'Yakovlev' intellectual property rights was merged with 'Aermacchi' financing. Then the problem for Italians was that they needed urgently a subsonic trainer which could fly with controllability on 40 degree angle of attack for 4th-5th gen fighter simulating. No early generation jet trainers can do it. After some years of joint venture they splitted and followed their (successful) project independently (M-346 trainer).

The first Yak-130D variant was purely trainer, without even radar being put in nose cone (specifically shaped). Two Slovakian made DV-2S x2200 kgf engines (soviet licensing AI-25TL derivative) were used. In 2002 the Russian Air Forces asked for a combat-trainer variant with a radar (in addition for currently tested trainer). Thus the Ukraine-made AI-222-25 engine with 2516 kgf without afterburner was chosen for both. It allowed to rise the max mass from 8500 to 9000 kg. The newborn 'Saturn's Al-55 is remained a reliable reservoir engine for the program in case if the cooperation with Ukraine is broken down.

Project 855 'Yasen' SSN

Due to a great interest of the readers for prospective Russian submarine projects and repeated questions, I put here the essential from the article about Pr. 855 'Yasen' SSN. In general, two pr. 855 subs are under building in Russian 'Sevmash' plant on White Sea. One - 'Severodvinsk' - is in advance stage of building. Additional one - 'Kazan' - is only started in July 2009, and is made by modified 'Yasen-M' project with some advance features.

(Update: the mooring tests will start in May, 2010. ARMS-TASS, Dec, 23.)

The specs of pr.855:

- full underwater displacement , t                 13,800
- lenght, m                                                   119
- reactors                                               water-water OK-650B
- reactor life (without reload), years              25-30
- speed underwater  , knots                          31
 - max deepness, m                                      600
- autonomity , days                                      100
- crew                                                          90 (Seawolf, Virginia - 134)
- officers number                                          32 (Seawolf, Virginia - 14)
- acoustic                                                     Irtysh-Amphora
- FCS                                                          "Morinformsystema-Agat", NPO 'Aurora'
- EW                                                           5th gen on 'Yasen'-M', domestically made only.
- main caliber                                               8 triple=24 P-800 'Onyx'
- guiding                                                      submarine+satelite based MKRTs 'Legenda' + self guiding
- missile seeker                                            active/passive
- range of lock-on , km                                70-90 depending on target RCS
- torpedo apparata                                       533 mm
- mines
- imitation measures

- All kind of domestic torpedos and missile-torpedos can be used, with conventional and nuclear warheads, torpedo-launches 'Caliber-PL' (domestic 'Club' analog) for hitting surface target on distance up to 300 km, enemy subs on 40 km distance.

- Nuclear cruise missiles: the old 'Granat' - 3000 km range, a prospective one 'Grom' with 5000 km range.

The original Russian OCRed text is below:

First 'Gepard 3.9' fregat for Vietnam launched

The first from two frigate 'Gepard 3.9' for Vietnam based on pr.11661 was launched in Dec. 12 in Zelenodolsk (Russia). The light frigate is intended for operation against hostile ships and submarines in both the littoral and deep sea water. It can operate alone or as a part of a battle group. It's used to become a big instrument for protection of the national Vietnamese economic zone. At last Russia and Vietnam have started a number of joint projects including oil exploration in the shelf. A year ago Russia has officially offered to Chanoi to turn using national currencies for trade progress.
Update, specs:
-total displacement — 2090 т,
- 102 m lentgh, 10 isolated sections
- CODOG
-full speed — 27-28 knots,
-speed with only diesels — 20 узлов.
-range — 5,000 mil.
-Autonomy — 20 days,
-crew - 103 per.
-76,2 mm AK-176M
- 'Palma' AAMS
- 2x30mm Ak-630M
- RBU-6000
-  2x533 mm torpedo units
- Ka-28/31
Pictures:

T-90ME was demonstrated first time

The export version of modernized T-90M tank was demonstrated for Russian PM Putin today in 'UVZ plant (N-Tagil). The tank has a new, bigger turrets,
- 'Relict' ERA on the turret (but not on the hull),
- a new panoramic commander sight with 360 degree vision,
- new commander hatch with better accessability
- different placement of the air conditioner
- new tracks
-  stronger rolls and some improvement in the chassis
- possibly 1200 hp engine

1971. The War of Nerves in Bengal Bay

Today, December 6, the visit of the Indian PM Mr. Manmohan Singh in Moscow has started. I'm glad to see how the meetings between the two leaders of the countries become more often and (hopefully) will become a diplomatic routine, like let's say the meetings between leaders of Germany and France. As I have already written before, there was a meeting between Indian PM and the Russian journalists in Delhi, and now is published the short interview of mr. Manmohan Singh to Russian 'Izvestia' newspaper. He said before the visit: 'We hope, Russia will be able to influence Pakistan and persuade it to not use terror as a mean for the state policy since such policy is counter-productive and contradicts to peaceful neighborhood principles. Russia is an important factor of stability and security in the world. Nobody else can give us what the cooperation with Russia does'. He also marked the common 5th gen fighter project and MTA, as the most prioritized Indo-Russian cooperation project in military sphere.

In addition:
1) The Agreement for cooperation in military sphere on 2011-2020 will be signed/
2) The Agreement for after-selling service for Russian mil equipment wil be signed too during the visit.
3) The planned trading between two countries in 2010 will rech $10 bil.
4) New places for Indian atomic power stations will be discussed with Medvedev and Putin.

Also the big interview with Mr. Manmohan Singh was published in Russian 'Trud' newspaper.

But some days ago, in December 3, was 38 years anniversary of the Indo-Pakistan conflict, 1971. Then the Russian (Soviet) involvement has played an important role in prevention the Anglo-Saxon pressure on India which was directed to save face of their Pakistani ally and not to allow Bangladesh secession. This video is a part from the Russian TV program 'Strike Forces' and it's involved the witnesses of those events. The translation from Russian is mine.

'Bars' upgrade potential

Because repeating questions about possibly 'Bars' ESA radar upgrade for Su-30MKI, I put the NIIP's chief engineer Tamerlan Bakirbayev's article again in my blog. This article was published in Russian 'Army & Navy Review' magazine, issue 4, 2009.
The OCRed text is below.

AIRBORNE RADARS

BARS RADAR SYSTEM TANGIBLE ADVANTAGES

Tamerlan BEKIRBAYEV

Currently, an increased interest has been shown in the Su-30MKI fighter performance. The international Red Flag exercise held in July-August 2008 in the United States, the outcomes of virtual duels between Russian Su-series aircraft and an American advanced F-35 fighter conducted in Hawaii in the presence of the Australian Air Force representatives, as well as the results of polls taken by the British Flight magazine in November 2008 suggest that the Su-30MKl is superior to the US F-15 fighter and comparable to the newest F-22 Raptor.

The Su-30MKI lias become the world's first series-produced aircraft featuring supermaneuverability and the first export fighter fitted with the BARS electronically scanned radar.

'Borei' and 'Bulava'

As I predicted before, US and Russia have not reached the new agreement about strategic forces in time. In December, 5 the term of the START treaty was expired, but no new accord was signed. In the common declaration yesterday Obama and Medvedev have officially confirmed their failure.

Is a new nuclear race probable now?

Anyway, due to the new circumstances the modern Russian strategic programs become more interesting to everybody. This article from Russian 'Army & Navy Review' magazine 4, 2009, is about 4th generation 'Borei'-class SSBN and 'Bulava' missile. Interesting comparable data between 'Bulava' and early competing 'Bark' program are published in the article. Because limited time I cannot translate the article in full, sorry. Thus, use, please the online translators.

A cheap alternative for submarine launched ICBMs

Dec. 5, 2009 the SALT-1 Agreement is expired. I want to be wrong, but personally I think there is only a few possibility to finalize the new Strategic Weapon limitation treaty between US and RF. The difference in positions is too wide and the time remained is too little. So, the ideas about what to do if a new nuclear race starts, are still actual as well despite some progress occurs in US-Russia relations during Obama presidency. This article is the opinion of a Russian military expert in the Russian English-language magazine 'National Defence', issue 1, 2009.

Army transformation. Part 2.

Part 1.

It's the article of Lieutenant General Vladimir Shamanov, the Chief ot the Main Combat Training and Service Directorate of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, published in Russian English-language 'National Defence' magazine, #1, 2009.

'Teg' and 'Chakra' are almost ready

As 'Arms-TASS' reports, the launching ceremony in Kaliningrad for 4th 'Trishul'-class FFG for India will be Nov. 27. The next two, 'Tarkash' and 'Trikand', are under construction. The Indian delegation will take participation in the ceremony. Also the Russian officials have confirmed 'Nerpa' tests were finished in September and the submarine will over to Russian Navy soon according to the schedule in December 2009. Starting from April 2010  the transfer of the sub to India is expected RIAN reports today.

European guru: 'Let's go for common army'

Franco Frattini, the Italian Foreign Minister, made the day. In an interview with The Times at his office in the monumental marble-halled Foreign Ministry on the banks of the Tiber, Mr Frattini said:

"If we do not find a common foreign policy, there is the risk that Europe will become irrelevant. We will be bypassed by the G2 of America and China, which is to say the Pacific axis, and the Atlantic axis will be forgotten. We need political will and commitment, otherwise the people of Europe will be disillusioned and disappointed  (...) It was a necessary objective to have a European army".

- I ask myself why politics in Russia, India and Brasil, who have even more cause for being threated or marginalized by strengthened China-US axis   don't bother to think about more active cooperation in foreign politics and military sphere? Don't they see the changes in the world? Even Japan has changed its foreign politics radically last months...

T-90S tests in India and Malaysia

This video is from the Russian 'Culture' TV-channel program about the national tank industry. The fragments of T-90S tests in Malaysia and India are demonstrated. A man from UVZ, which took part in T-90 program speaks about these trials. The essentials of his interview:
1) T-90S has overcome the most hard sectors of the route which deterred the Ukrainian T-84.
2) Crew was able to extract and fix up the engine in the field conditions.
3) Pakistan T-80UD purchasing pushed India to seek more advance tanks abroad.
4) For India T-90S is a second deterrence factor after nuclear weapon (cited an Indian General words).

Army transformation

This is an interview with the chief of the armament/deputy DM General of the Army Vladimir POPOVKIN in Russian 'Army & Navy Review' magazine. 

Interview by Oleg Vasilenko

Su-35 MULTIROLE FIGHTER

This article is from Russian 'National Defence' English-speaking journal. The author is a well known military and air-space technology journalist and the Editor-on-Chief of the 'Take-off' magazine.

Prospects of Russian avionics

The article of 'Russian Avionics' concern chief is about the prospects of the branch, last consolidation events, merging and the most prominent projects.

Russian intention towards China: "We want such an approach no more"

The 'Saturn's chief says about his great unsutisfaction from Chinese pirate coping politics: 

"Our relations with China often represented the following pattern: we sell a number of engines, whereas the other party uses them for copying. We want such an approach no more. In current talks with China  we are proposing to build such relations where none of the partners would have either possibilities or desires to cheat. It would hardly be possible to cooperate with China in the same manner as with France  under the SaM146 project. We need to look for another ver­sion". 

Buk-M2E Air-Defence system

Workaday reading. This article is taken from 'National Defence' Russian Arms & Military Technologies review 7.2008 and is actual today as well. 'Buk-M2E' - has the same missiles as its navalised version 'Shtil', installed on the 'Talwar'-class frigates. The OCRed text is fetched below.

Armor's Prospects

Russian tankers are facing the future with optimism. "Armor - is an effective means of proactive, decisive and dynamic ground operations on both the conventional and nuclear battlefields", - says Lieutenant-General Nikolay Yershov, Chief of Main Automotive and Armour Directorate ('Army & Navy Review', 5, 2008. English).

Russian corvettes for Vietnam

Sunday reading. Although closing the Russian Navy base in Kam-Rahn during Putin's first presidency, Vietnam is remained a key Russian ally in South-East Asia and an important counter-balance against growing China's power. After a bloody incident around disputed Spratley islands, Hanoi activized the purchases for its Navy. A number of Russian-made project 1241.8 'Molniya' fast missiles boats equipped with Kh-35 misiles were bought. The 2006 contract for two '2000 t displacement 'Gepard'-class corvettes is under way too. This is an article about the project from Russian 'National Defence' journal:

Russian HMS for attack helicopters

As it's well known abroad, the first world HMS was developed in USSR - 'Shchel' (Kiev, Arsenal). A long time after USSR dismissal Russian AF and military aircrafts manufacturers used 'Sura' HMS variants of the same Ukrainian vendor without trying to develop Russian own capability in this issue. However, the political problems in Ukraine, economic instability there and the Western efforts to break territorial and ethnic integrity of this Orthodox state, which transitionally  had good relation with Moscow, pushed Russia to development of its own HMS, for not to be dependent from Kiev. This helmet was developed by GRPZ (BARS radar serial manufacturer from Ryazan), and used on new Russian attack helos - Ka-50/52 and Mi-28N:

Russian chip makers. Part 2.

This is the 2^nd part of review about Russian manufacturers of core military electronic components. The 1^st part is here.

'Elvees' – is a fab-less electronic chips design house holding the leading position in developing micro-chips, digital signal processors and controllers, for different military, space, domestic security and civilian applications. 

The peculiarity of the Elvees-designed microchips distinguishing them from many other competitors are – system-on-crystal (SOC) and net-on-crystal (NOC) high integrity design. There are both regular (scalar) and DSP (vector) processor cores with all needed controller in one chip. The DSP cores have high code-density (8-10 times higher than the main world competitors TI and ADI). So, extremely low specific power consumption (Watts per MFlOPS) and high performance is achieved. Up to 5 vector and scalar cores in one chip is used on current Elvees' production. This leads to very compact and light military communication devices (personally communicators, UAV DSP units and communication units) with long period of autonomic work. The enterprise has its own patented architecture platform 'MultiCore', broadly used on the Russian systems of intellectual vision, radars, sonars, digital TV, spacecrafts, prospective mobile communication standards.

Russia's strategic nuclear forces development

Sabbatical reading. An interview of Commander of the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces (SMF) Col. Gen. Michail Solovtsov, and an article about Russia's SMF development plans, published in English-language 'National Defense' issues.

Russian naval diesels and gas-turbines. Part 2.

The second part of Russian naval propulsion review. Part 1 is here. This is the specification of RUMO Open Joint-Stock Company (Nizhny Novgorod) product line. Manufacturer information:

Russian chip makers. Part 1.

After repeating questions in my blog and BRForum I decided to make a brief review about Russian chip-makers. Generally the situation with electronic parts the Russian military authorities characterize as 'far from to be satisfying'. They complain on growing foreign components and rising prices. However, their complaints must be taken in proportion. The current world trends, exponential multiplying of the hardware nomenclature, the market globalization objectively pushes to international cooperation in military production even between the former rivals. Recently even in US they raised the authorities' attention to dependence from Chinese electronic parts and the poor quality of China-made components. So the situation reflects rather a global problem then specifically Russian one. 

Russian AAMs. Part 2.

RVV-MD – is a new Russian short-range AAM. The abbreviation means in Russian literally 'a missile air-to-air of  the short range'. It was presented first time this summer in MAKS-2009 Air Show in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. It's intended for high-maneuverable combat and can hit both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircrafts from any direction at day or night and despite heavy jamming. Its maximal range is 40 km (R-73E has 30 km). IR sensor is 2-color, +-60 deg angle of seeking (R-73E has  +-45 deg) . The maneuver control is aero- and gas-dynamical. The maximal AoA of this missiles is significantly higher than of R-73E.   It can hit targets maneuvering with 12 G. Besides MiG-29/35 and Su-27/30/35 families the missile can   equip Su-25 , Yak-130, helos and  other different planes.

Outlines of PAK FA

Since the article of Alexander Pachkov ('Paralay') in Nov, 2009 issue of Russan-language 'Popular Mechanic' journal has produced a great interest, I translated the short essential of this text. Paralay is the editor of the popular site 'Stealth Machines'. The article is about PAK FA/FGFA program. Since I cannot check the Paralay's sources out, the question of information reliability is up to a reader. The outlines of his article:

1)      Can hope for 10-15% PAKFA advantage over F-22 due to two decades of tech. development.

2)      F-22 detects Su35 from the distance of 150-180 km but can open fire from 110 km, while becomes visible for Su-35's radar by itself and on R-77 range of attack.

On the waves

A Saturday reading. A little article about Russian fast boards from the last Naval Show in San-Petersburg. After the article - a couple of words about other projects from RosoboronExport Catalogue. The reference to a Columbian delegation visit is totally irrelevant in my humble opinion, since this country is in US orbit, it fights its own people, has offered basis for US forces etc. Maximum what Russia's leadership might sell them is a few of light-armed boats to keep them a bit away from becoming an American marionette. The real Russian friends in LA are the Bolivarian initiative countries of course. By the way,  the Russian president will take participation in next summit of this states.   

Nerpa-Chakra bhai-bhai!

As the Russian RIA-Novosti news agency on Friday reports with reference to 'a high-ranking fleet official': the Nerpa nuclear attack submarine will enter service with Russia's Pacific Fleet in December 2009 and will then be leased out to the Indian Navy. "The submarine has undergone a range of sea trials, and [final] state tests will begin in late October or early November, after which the Nerpa will be adopted by the Pacific Fleet," the spokesman said. He said a crew of Indian submariners would undergo a course of training together with Russian specialists and servicemen in early 2010. They will subsequently operate on their own under the supervision of Russian instructors, after which the submarine will be leased to the Indian Navy under the name INS Chakra. India reportedly paid $650 million for a 10-year lease of the 12,000-ton K-152 Nerpa, an Akula II class nuclear-powered attack submarine. End of report.

The Indo-Russian special relationship in nuclear sphere is continuing despite growing Obama's pressure for 'non-proliferation', and could be only comparable to the relationship between US and GB in strategic weapons. In my humble opinion of course…

Moscow afterparty

According to the Russian new agencies and DM reports, the 9th session of India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on military-technical cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) was rather successful. Some of questions and problems were resolved – was declared by the sides. The protocol for prospective joint military programs' realization was signed by two DMs. It includes:

1)      Complete the bureaucratic formality of PAKFA/FGFA project till year end.

2)      Speed up resolving of Gorshkov's payment issue 'in mutual interest'.

3)      Brahmos air version was confirmed, the acceleration of manufacturing too.

4)      New joint ventures in helicopters' development – the plans for this was confirmed. According to Russian DM was told about a prospective medium lift helicopter.

5)      Joint venture for future IFV development will be esteblished.

6)      New modernization programs: Su-30MKI, MiG-27, T-90S, T-72M1, BMP-2.

7)      The project of Program of military-technical cooperation on 2011-2020 and the project of after-selling support & service agreement were discussed. They will be signed in Dec.2009 during Indian PM visit to Moscow.

OLS-35 IRST option for Su-30 family

A contemporary fighter needs periodically upgrade to keep pace with the human technical progress. One of the most promising sensor system for this is the IRST systems, allowing detection of the enemy in air, on the ground and ocean surface. One of the most prominent developers and manufacturers of such systems in Russia is FSUE 'Science-Research Institute for Precision Instrument Engineering' (Moscow). Its traditional specialization was the laser-optical systems for space installations. The production is intended for high-precision trajectory measurements in visible and IR spectrum and laser ranging of objects, like satellite and missiles.

Other products are as follow:

-         Quantum-optic systems for trajectory measurement, photometry, satellite and missiles in fly picturing.

-         Laser retro-reflecting systems

-         Geodesic satellites

-         Inter-satellite laser communication systems

-         GLONASS satellites communication systems

-         Laser range-finders for space crafts

-         Ecologic monitoring systems

-         Atmospheric laser communication systems

The IRST (OLS) systems – are a relative new part in the Institute's activity. Despite this, it offers now two IRST systems with superb technical characteristics. One of them – OLS-UE is offered as a part of MiG-35 program, and the second – is OLS-35 installed on Su-35 fighter, 50 of which were contracted by the Russian AF. OLS-35 is also available for all Su-27/Su-30 family upgrade. It can be a part of Su-30MKI upgrading deal, which is negotiated now in Moscow (Oct.14-15) in the Indo-Russian tech-mil committee summit.

The new Russian anti-radar materials

The Russian researchers go further for developing more advances compounds and technologies for an anti-radar covering. As it's well known, the airframe and the shipframe stealth geometry gives only a partial answer for the contemporary radar development. Only the centimeter and millimeter long radar waves are effectively deflected by such method while the L-band radars progress is remained the growing treat for military devices. Other complimentary methods are composite use and covering.

The usually used antiradar materials are the resins and paints with ferromagnetic. The new nano-metric anti-radar covering is much more light and stable. It's made with magneto-dielectric layering 2-80 nm thick on a high temperature-steady material. The radar-absorption is about 10 Db in 8-80 GHz diapason, i.e. lg (P1/P2) = 1, while P1 – is the incoming radar power and P2 – the reflected. By the formula with these materials the RCS can be reduced 10 times. Its relative mass is as  1 – 1.5 kg/m2. High resistance against climatic factors is provided. They have the one-layer structure instead of usually 5-6.

Serial production of 117S will started soon

The Russian ARMS-TASS agency has reported Oct. 9, that the contract between the Russian Air Force and UMPO plant (merged in 'United Engine-building Corporation') was signed for 96 Al-41F-1S engines purchase. They will be installed on the serial Su-35S fighters. The first party of the engines would be delivered in 2010, and the whole contract – till 2015.  Al-41F-1S ('izdelie 117S') is developed by 'Saturn' with UMPO input, and it has a thrust vectoring nozzle . Two months ago the contract between the Russian Air Force and 'Sukhoi Corp.' was signed for delivering 48 Su-35S, 12 Su-27SM и 4 Su-30М2 fighters until 2015. About 15 Al-41F engines were produced early for the canceled '1.44 project' of 5th generation fighter, which was developed by MiG corp. during 90th. Al-41F-1S - is the intermediate engine solution for the Indo-Russian PAK-FA/FGFA fighter too, it is going to fly till year end with according to the RuAF plan. India could gain these technologies too if wants. As HAL Indian airspace industry corporation's chief and others admitted early, India has already got the single-crystal blade technology during Al-31F ToT agreement.

Added latter:  The Al-41F-1S ('izdelie 117S') engine is a re-dimensioned version of Al-41 engine for fitting Su-30/Su-35 and FGFA/PAKFA fighters. It's as 15% lighter than the predecessor, according to the Saturn's chief engineer.  The t/w ratio on wet is 10 kgf/kg. The '117S' engine - is an initial and export version with 14.5 t thrust, while '117' - is a 15 t thrust domestic version for PAKFA (and probably FGFA too) on the first stage of project. Latter the even more advanced 5th+ gen. engine with t/w = 11.5 - 12.5 kgf/kg is planned for PAKFA.

RD-33 for Tejas?

India Defence Online reports India is seriously considering to use the Russian 33/RD-33MK engines for the homegrown Light Combat Aircraft, as it already used the Indian Air Force fleet of MiG-29 aircraft.
  I have already wrote about this possibility in this blog early. I think, the allegedly selling of an uprated RD-93 engine to China and the current Indian activity around RD-33MK are two related events. Indeed, during some years (more than 5) Russia repeatedly refused to sell the RD- 33 variant with increased thrust to China. One possible reason for this – is the Indian pressure and the agreement between two nations for not allowing China to have more advanced weapons than India. The second one – Russia by self doesn't want China to be too assertive, so the weapons sold for China were always inferior in some degree relative to what Moscow sells to Delhi.

But the technological development is continuing. Sometimes you must run for keeping your place intact. Russia cannot refuse to sell 9 t RD-93 engine for China infinitely (till now it sold only 8.3 t thrust variant). It because the China copy WS-13 (with 7.8 t thrust) is gradually improved and becoming close in its characteristics to the regular RD-93. If Russia refuses now it will lose both the market and the leverage on China. So, the refusing loses its sense. Now the Russian engine manufacturers use Chines money for R&D, so India benefits from this situation too, since China in reality pays for India's advantage. Otherwise the price for new Russian engines, imported to India would be significantly higher.

'Vikramaditya's Combat Management System

The 'Lesorub-E' CMS is installed on the Indian 'Vikramaditya' carrier (former 'Admiral Gorshkov'), now refurbished in 'Sevmash'. It's the export variant of 'Lesorub' CMS for the Russian prospective carrier project. According to the developer, NPO 'Mars', the system is designed for combat control of a ship and a task force on basis of the weapon integration into one complex and for the automation of decision making concerning force and armament engagement.

Tech characteristics and technologies:

Indian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB operate from the Russian carrier

MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters were over carrier deck take-off/landing exercises. The exercises were successful, ARMS-TASS reported Sep. 29. Both planes have accomplished a number of take-offs and landing in September 28 and 29 from the Kuznetsov carrier in Barents sea. The planes are made for Indian Navy and will be based on Vikramaditya carrier now refurbished in Severodvinsk, Russia. The pre-serial MiG-29K took-off in January, 2007. The first serial MiG-29K plane was made in March, 2008.

Russian TV reports: the radar has a capability for 10 TWS with 4 simultaneously  attacked targets. After accomplishing the Indian contract  the planes (24) will be made for Russian Navy too. RAC MiG can produce first plane within 18 months after a contract would been signed. The airframe life resourse of the new planes is more than twice longer than a regular MiG-29 has. The fly time cost is 2.5 times lower than with an old MiG-29. 

China tries to achieve engines with enhanced capability for its FC-1 fighter

During long time the Chinese try to achieve RD-93 engines with enhanced capability, the Russian 'AviaPort's correspondent reports. They said that if Russia agrees to sell them this class engine with 9 t thrust they are ready to buy up to 1000 units in total cost of $3.75. Till now Russia didn't agree to repeating and insisting Chinese desire.  India was strongly against this deal. It was said in  Delhi that in such a case RD-93 will be comparable to RD-33MK engine which is installed on MiG-29K fighter exported for India's 'Vikramaditya' carrier, said an 'Aviaport' source.

 So Russia has agreed to export for China only a downgraded 8.3 t thrust variant. This engine is installed on the Chinese FC-1 light fighter, recently exported to Pakistan. The initial China contract with Moscow's 'Chernyshev' plant was for 100 RD-93 engine,  $238 mil, signed in 2005. First 15 engines were departed to China in late 2006.  

Two Kirov's class atomic cruisers will be resurrected

The Russian naval program goes ahead. After declared intention to buy in one of the European countries (France, Nederland or Spain) an amphibious assault ship, also known as a helicopter carrier, a Russian military top said that two additional now conserved nuclear-propelled cruiser Kirov's class can be resurrected and enter the Navy service. The deputy MoD Vladimir Popovkin said to 'Moscow Echo' radio-station yesterday that the program for this is already developed. The atomic cruisers 'Admiral Nakhimov' and 'Admiral Lazarev' will come back to service on Pacific and Northern fleets. For the force projection in the remote pelagic areas Russia needs at least two such cruisers on the North and one – on Pacific he said. The current activation of Russian military policy in Latin America has to be supported by additional transportation and strike capacity. Russia needs it urgently otherwise its old and new friends there never can be calm about US invasion. 

Zhuk-AE is ready for fight

Russian Phasotron corporation reports Sep. 17 , that it has finished the testing program for Zhuk-AE AESA radar. The detection range for a standard aerial target is 148 km and in the perspective it will be raised to 200 km. The Phasotron's General Director Victor Tishchenko said that one of the Indian MMRCA tender request is an AESA radar with 130 km detection range. So, Zhuk-AE fulfills this request, he says. 

Seemingly, Zhuk-AE is the first non-american AESA radar for fighter jets ready for use. The others still remain 'paper radars' in many aspects.

Novella - Sea Dragon system. Short review.

The Novella anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance system (export name 'Sea Dragon') was developed by 'Leninets' (San Petersburg) and intended for Tu-142, Ka-27 and Il-38 modernization. The Sea Dragons variants were named 1SD (for A-40 'Albatros' and Tu-204P), 2SD (for Il-38), SD(H) (Ka-27), 4SD (light planes and UAVs). The weight of SD(H) is only 220 kg. The system has magnetic, electro-optical, IR, acoustic, radar and ESM subsystems. 

The low-light-level TV and FLIR are installed in a stabilized turret. Two fields of view 2 x 2 and 9 x 12 deg with a tracking rate of up to 20 deg/sec. Other source reports about 5 optic windows. In addition the aircraft has an IR sensor for initial submarine detection based on water surface temperature – something very useful, if the enemy subs have conventional or MESMA propulsion. The TV-FLIR system can track targets detected by the radar too.

Indian delegation visited RD-33MK production plant

The Indian military delegation has visited in September, 15 a Russian 'Chernyshev' plant, where RD-33/RD-33MK engines for MiG-29K/MiG-35 are manufactured. The deputy Minister of Defense R.K.Singh and HAL's chief Ashok Nayak headed the delegation, 'Interfax-AVN' news agency reports. Two years ago India and Russia signed agreement for RD-33 ser. 3 engine license  production in India and ToT. Only the first 20-40 aircrafts will be produced with imported of the shelf GE404 engines. The current delays in development fully indigenous 'Kavery' engine for HAL's LCA fighter and the new IAF ambitions for better payload pushes Indian tops for seeking more powerful engine for upgrading LCA. The currently installed GE404 doesn't fulfill the IAF specification and isn't powerful enough for Navy LCA variant. According to the new request they need minimum 90 kN wet thrust for the strengthened LCA airframe and increased load. 

The Russian body armor will help Indians in the war against terror

 The Russian ARMS-TASS news agency reports, that a batch of body armor was transferred to India. The ceremony was occurred in Indian embassy. 30 sets of the body armor were given for gift in order to activize the cooperation between two countries in their war against terror. The Indian Internal Ministry Department chief Redhey Shiam Sharma expressed gratitude for Russian side. The body armor sets will be sent to Indian police forces struggling naxalites armed groups. After Dec. 2008 Medvedev's visit to India the cooperation between two countries in anti-terrorist war was become stronger. The 'Common working group against terrorism' has started its work. Then Medvedev confirm Russian readiness to help for India in its war against terror. Isn't clear, what this new cooperation includes, the bulk part of it is classified for obvious reasons. 

Russian naval diesels and gas-turbines

In answer to my Indian friends question I've composed a short review about the Russian naval propulsion systems, mainly about the diesels and gas-turbine. Russia makes almost all dimension propulsion for maritime use, from the little dimention diesels, steem  and nuclear propulsion with excepts of those including the gas turbine with power over 27,000 hp  (are still made in Ukraine).

The high rate desels for the fast boats are made by 'Zvezda JSC'. It makes diesel propulsion systems for fast boats, submarine and civilian ships. The tropical versions of the engines are manufactured too.

1)      ChN 16/17 dimension

-M532, M534 civilian class                               1904- 4044 kW

-M503, M504, M507, M520 military variants   2015-7794 kW

Main Specs:

A Russian UCAV/UAV killer

The Russian aircraft industry site 'AviaPort' reports 2009-09-09 about the development of an anti-UAV weapon in Russia. According to the plant chief-designer Sergey Yelizarov, the 'Radiozavod' company from Penza has started the tests of a new system for struggle the incoming UAVs\UCAVs. The system is based on the movable PU12M7 command point of the integrated anti-aircraft system, which can include "Strela-10", ZSU-23, "Tunguska", "Tor" and other SAAMs. This command point is initially used for the anti-aircraft purpose. For anti-UAV capability it was equipped with a new radar, the ELINT staton and the optic-electronnic sensors. The ELINT station discloses the UAV/UCAV datalink emission, giving the initial coordinates to the radar and OELS. 

Russian AAMs. Part 1

In general, the serial Russian air-to-air missiles are divided into 4 families: short-range R-73 (AA-11 'Archer'), median range R-77 (RVV-AE) and R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') and long range R-33 modifications. All these weapons were developed by the missile design house 'Vympel' and now are manufactured by relative new corporation 'Tactical Missiles Weapon', where 'Vympel' was merged. The upgraded variant of R-33 missile is the 300 km range AA-13 'Arrow' (R-37, K-37, Izdeliye 610 or R-VD), but the fighters with needed radar capability (Su-35) is only entering a serial production.  The same is about 'Novator's KS-172 (RVV-L) missile wich extramally long range (400 km) demand according radar capability. The anti-radiation Kh-31 missile previously has only a limited AWACS-kill capability due to the lack of an active radar. The other kinds of new generation missiles are in active development process in Russia and used to be installed on 5^th gen PAK-FA/FGFA fighter. They are yet to be de-classified.

Kh-35UE technical details

RIAN's correspondent Dmitry Litovkin reported a week ago about a new improved variant   Kh-35UE of the well known 'Uran' ('Harpoonsky') subsonic AShM. According to his information granted by 'Tactical Missiles Weapon Corporation', the change of the engine to lighter one has allowed bigger fuel tank, which in turn raised the range of the missile more than twice .
Most probably they have changed the old Ukrainian made missile turbo-engine to newest 'Saturn's gas-turbine 36MT engine. It has only 25-33 cm in diameter and thrust of 250-400 kg, dry/total weight 85/100 kg, 0,71 kg/kgf.h fuel efficiency. It allowed the drastic increasing in range for all sorts of Russian subsonic missiles, from tactic to strategic. The missiles speed was also raised.

Russian tactical air-to-ground weapons. Part 2

The 'Tactical Missiles Corporation' is a manufacturer of the 'big bad boys' like Kh-59 long range air-to-ground missile and KAB-1500 guided bomb. During last couple of years a number of new lethal modifications of these weapons were offered for Russian allies. The new weapons have modular structure with changeable warheads, longer range and better defense against jamming. One example: the range of Kh-38 family is rised from 10 to 40 km against its Kh-25M\Kh-29 predecessors. It's known from other sources Kh-59MK2 can have penetrating or cassette warhead (320 and 283 kg). Kh-58UShKE has shorter folded wing for use from internal bays. It hits radars working in 1.2 - 11 GHz A, A', B, B', C diapasons, with preprogramming option for guiding. The range of Kh-58UShKE is rised from 200 to 245 km. Speed - 1200 m/s. The broad using of satellite navigation in both GPS abd GLONASS standards are implemented. This is an interview with the Director General of the Tactic Missiles Corporation Boris Obnossov in Russian English language 'National Defense' issue 1, 2009.